FRANKFORT, KY – (Jan. 30. 2009) - The Kentucky Division of Forestry has sent 50employees to seven counties, Boyle, Carroll, Clark, Estill, Garrard, Hart and Lawrence to assist with debris clearing and removal. The employees are working under the direction of each county’s EmergencyOperationCenter.

The employees are primarily operating as chainsaw crews clearing debris from streets and rights-of-way and may assist with debris removal from city and county park areas. The division routinely uses chainsaws to battle wildland fires but often assists with emergency situations such as tornadoes and other natural disasters.

"We are happy to provide assistance and we saw an opportunity to use our resources to provide help to the residents in these impacted counties", said Leah MacSwords, director of the Division of Forestry.

The crews will remain in the counties for up to 14 days or until they are no longer needed.